Estoloppet

Estonias longest-running and largest ski marathon series Estoloppet features six cross-country marathons – crème de la crème and well prepared tracks streching from east to south.

Founded in 1998, the competition provides every level of cross country skier a feasible and thrilling opportunity to be a part of the most incredible winter playgrounds, courses that challenge veterans, world-class racers and newbies. All marathons in the series have also shorter distances for sports minded people who just started training or want to spend an active weekend in the nature with friends and family. Mini-Estoloppet welcomes the familes youngest to have fun and enjoy a nice day on snow racing and making new friends.

Estoloppet kicks off in the middle of January in Mõedaku – a little village in the North-West of Estonia, just a 4,5 hour drive from Riga. A perfect start for the series, where you test your shape and skills and enjoy the picturesque fields varied with thick forests covered in snow. The second marathon, held in the beginning of February, takes you to Tamsalu, which will be the second meeting point for all the freestyle technique lovers.

The third act will be held only a weekend later in Alutaguse, which is probably one of the best hidden secrets for all winter sports fans. It is worth taking a long weekend and spending it with the whole family, skiing, hiking and enjoying the activities offered in the adventure park. There is nothing better than to end a long day outside with a relaxing sauna, the bravest can cool down in snow, but there is also a little pool for a refreshing splash available.

Many skiers come to Alutaguse to warm-up for the highlight of the ski year, Tartu Marathon. The Wordloppet series marathon right at your door, which welcomes nearly 8000 skiers from 30 countries each year. Ski with the champions or experience the biggest winter party in the Baltic region.

The fifth race will be held in the beginning of March, less than one hour drive away from Tallinn. Kõrvemaa Hike and Ski resort is located on the border of North-Kõrvemaa nature reserve, where the nature has been untouched for decades. The marathon course passes beautiful lakes, marshes, goes through the forest, up and down small hills. All tracks are very well looked after through the season. You can also go snow-tubing, rent a snow-scooter or take the most from the offered adventure games (orienteering, GPS, photo) and end your day in a warm sauna.

The last marathon takes place in Võrumaa, which also borders Latvia. The track of Haanja Marathon is probably the most challenging ones where one little hill follows another, leaving the „killer“ one to the very end. Not to worry, the good spririt of your fellow racers, cheering volunteers and local musicians sitting by the fire will help you to achive the goal. The track is totally worth coming and also the food local people prepare with love for all the quests.